Newcastle United Onwer, Mike Ashley Confirms Sale of Club

Newcastle United owner, Mike Ashley on Monday
confirmed he has put up the English Premier League
club for sale.

A statement on the club’s website reported
that Mike Ashley is going to sell Newcastle,
The owner had, according to the Telegraph,
informed Coach Rafael Benitez some time ago of
this development, apparently five weeks.
“As a result of increasing press speculation
regarding the future of Newcastle United, the owner
of the club, St James Holdings Limited, wishes to
clarify its intentions.

“As one of the Premier League’s oldest and best
supported football clubs – and for the benefit of its
many fans and supporters in the UK and across the
world – Newcastle United requires a clear direction
and a path to a bright and successful future.
This development is not a major surprise,
considering the club owner’s tendency to not want
to overspend, having put in a lot of his own money
early on to keep the club afloat. The Magpies have,
however, been relegated twice on his watch now.
“To give the club the best possible opportunity of
securing the positioning and investment necessary
to take it to the next level, at what is an important
time in its history, its present ownership has
determined that it is in the best interests of
Newcastle United and its fans for the club to be put up for sale.”

Mike Ashley is hoping to conclude a deal by
Christmas.
Financier Amanda Staveley, 44, is a potential suitor,
according to BBC Radio 5 live senior football
reporter Ian Dennis, after being seen watching
Newcastle’s 1-1 home draw against Liverpool
earlier this month.

“It was clearly a signal of intent from her and her
company,” Dennis added. “However, it is now a
case of making sure the price is right for all
parties.”